Selecting and Featuring Role Models Overview How to find role models How to select and feature role models Role models are women who have entered and succeeded in a nontraditional occupations. Combining the use of role models with the Nontraditional Employment for Women Career Assessment Survey (download Survey in Word Format or PDF Format) in the presentation of nontraditional occupations as career options for women and girls is essential for two reasons: Role models illustrate the benefits of nontraditional employment for women such as job satisfaction and high self-esteem. Role models can offer advice and support for women considering or embarking upon a nontraditional career. For example they can advise women on strategies for handling uncooperative co-workers, dealing with unsupportive family members and finding safe and affordable childcare. Role models can also help women with career development. Return to Top How to Find Role Models Search Work4Women's Support Groups database to locate women working in nontraditional employment near you. Inquire with local women's organizations or contact the U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau Regional Administrator. Ask local trade unions for the names of women who are union members or are enrolled in their apprenticeship programs who can act as role models. Contact the local employment office, chamber of commerce or trade association to see whether companies in the area have mentorship programs. Return to Top How to Select and Feature Role Models Select role models with whom women can easily identify because they resemble the women in age, ethnicity, socio-economic background and marital status and who work in the nontraditional occupation that is being presented to women. Ask role models to make presentations and conduct training on issues like recruitment, orientation, success skills for coping with sexual harassment and isolation in the workplace. Feature role models on program brochures, flyers, and posters and in videos and public service announcements on television and radio. Reimburse role models for their expenses and for lost wages if they have to take leave from their jobs. Provide role models with honoraria to compensate them for their time if they are utilized more than once. Return to top     | Home | Contact | Search/Sitemap | User Guides | Events | Internet Guide | Email Lists | Copyright © 1998, Wider Opportunities for Women, All Rights Reserved.